# Bibliometric analysis of research trends on the epiretinal membrane since 2000

## TL;DR

This paper analyzes global research trends on epiretinal membrane from 2000 to 2024, identifying growth in publications and key research areas.

## Contribution

The study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of epiretinal membrane research, highlighting thematic shifts and emerging trends.

## Key findings

- ERM research output has steadily increased, with the United States leading in contributions.
- Retina-The Journal of Retinal and Vitreous Diseases is the most productive journal in the field.
- Current research focuses on epidemiology, imaging biomarkers, and artificial intelligence for diagnosis.

## Abstract

Epiretinal membrane (ERM) is an important retinal disorder, yet its global research landscape has not been systematically evaluated. This study conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of ERM-related publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection. Data were analyzed using CiteSpace, bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and the bibliometrix R package to assess publication trends, international collaboration, influential journals, and evolving research topics. A total of 1,059 articles published between 2000 and 2024 were included. The annual number of publications showed a steady increase, with the United States and other developed countries contributing the majority of research output. Journal analysis identified Retina-The Journal of Retinal and Vitreous Diseases as the leading outlet in terms of productivity. Keyword co-occurrence and co-citation analyses revealed that current research hotspots involve epidemiology, molecular mechanisms, imaging biomarkers associated with surgical outcomes, and the emerging use of artificial intelligence in diagnosis and prognosis prediction. These findings provide an integrated overview of ERM research development, highlight major thematic shifts, and offer valuable guidance for future investigations in this field.